Tuesday, August 23, 2016

My Blog Has a New Home

Hello sweet world!

I would like to introduce you to my new adventure travel blog - Adventures of a Fox in the Forest. Specializing in tips, trick, and stories from my adventurous lifestyle! I want to encourage everyone to take the plunge and pursue their passions in life and mine is adventure! Check it out! I'll be posting weekly :)

https://www.foxintheforest.net

Coming soon: Posts from the Roads of New Zealand!


Happy adventures!

Love, 
Fox!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Panama y Costa Rica: There's Something About Sidewalks and Hot Showers

    Check out my new blog: https://adventuresoffoxintheforest.wordpress.com/ for more adventure and travel ideas!

When you travel you learn. You experience. You live. I spent a lot of the past week thinking about what drives me to travel. I spent a lot of time trying to pinpoint what it was that draws me into the unknown. I gave up on trying to seek an answer I can put into words. I love it, so I do it and that's that.

     I recently decided on a whim to escape to Panama and Costa Rica for a week. Leave it all behind. No phone, no tablet, not much aside from a few changes of clothes, a bathing suit, earplugs (any seasoned traveler knows this as essential as toothpaste), my camera, journal, and my better half.

     I debate whether or not to make this post more about reviews or my experience and I couldn't decide so I decided to take a more photographic approach, and include some notes from my journal.

    Basically, if you are in need of information about these countries my best advice is to just go. Everywhere we stayed and the companies we used to do things were wonderful. Adventure awaits. Get out there and grab it.
Red Frog Beach. Bocas del Toro, Panama


Sunday, November 17, 2013

Super Sweet Vintage Statement Piece

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

My Trip to NYC and Getting Engaged

    Visit my new blog! https://adventuresoffoxintheforest.wordpress.com/ for more adventure and travel ideas!
 
Wow do I have a lot going on. I've been meaning to write an update and explain a few projects I've been working on for a long time now, but lots has been put on hold. We've recently purchased a house and are getting ready to move, again. We've also had both sets of parents visit, been out of town, in town, then out of town. Needless to say I haven't caught a break for some time.

     However, I did get a chance to go back to the wonderful New York state and visit my college friends in NYC. I was originally going to keep this post a bit less personal, and describe all of the fun and fabulous things you can do in NYC for next to nothing. We may be employed but we are still budget-conscious people and NYC can rip a large hole in your wallet, quickly.

   Before I get started though, I do want to make an announcement. As of last Wednesday MB and are officially engaged!!! We've been together for 6 and a half years, so many of my friends have let me know "It's about time!" I was COMPLETELY surprised and the timing couldn't be more perfect. We were leaving the next day to go and see our college friends who have been around since we met. It was really special to have the opportunity to tell everyone in person. We are plenty busy right now, so I'll save wedding posts for another time. And yes, the ring is absolutely beautiful!

Hello Beautiful


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Camping at Molas Lake

   **This blog has moved! Please check out https://www.foxintheforest.net for more adventures like Camping at Molas Lake!


  I know I've been probably the worst blogger out there since I've started working, but who could blame me? I spend 8 hours a day on a computer, and when the weather is this amazing, it's tough to be indoors, much less on a computer. Needless to say I've been out and about. Not to mention we've recently moved and (as life would have it) are beginning to look for a house (eeek!!).

     Life has taken me to some crazy places lately and I haven't had as much time to DIY. Instead I've been filling out my time with new activities, spending time outdoors, and getting ready for the summer recital at my dance studio. I'll report back on all of that later, but it's time I returned to my original purpose for this blog, travel. Unfortunately (and whoa is me and my first world problems) I cannot afford to leave the country this year. However, that hasn't stopped me from seeking adventure right here in the beautiful US of A.

     As many of you may know the Fourth of July is my all-time favorite holiday. This year, MB and I did the most American thing to do on the 4th of July, go camping. Now, going camping over the 4th of July is like trying to find a hotel in Jogjakarta after Ramadan; impossibly crowded and usually not all that great, but I've found a place. Granted, in true M and MB fashion, it isn't the most obvious place on the map, the nearest town is hardly a blip on the radar. Welcome to Molas Lake, Colorado.




Thursday, May 23, 2013

Ass Kickin' BBQ Sauce for All Things Summer

     I absolutely love this time of year, which is probably why I blog so much less, but honestly, I should make more of an effort because if there's one thing I learned by going to grad school in Denver, it's how to enjoy your damn summer. Stop and smell the flowers people. Life is right there in front of you, and watching the world around you wake up for the warmth is a beautiful thing, despite our crazy weather. However, things have settled down here in D-town and it's time to live it up. Go outside. Spend time on a rooftop, relax, cook outdoors, ride a bike, drink some brews, listen to some live music, and - most importantly - cook up some fabulous food!

    So in order to kick off summer on the right foot I've decided to share a pretty amazing secret recipe of mine, my BBQ sauce. Tangy, thick, and with a little kick, this sauce is not only guaranteed to please, but the recipe itself makes a large amount and by freezing it, this will last you all summer long. The biggest bonus is that it doesn't take a lot of effort to make. If you aren't a fan of the spice, you can omit the chilies.

    First I'll start off by sharing the actual secret, I've adopted this recipe from one of the best BBQ joints in this country: Dinosaur BBQ (the original is in Syracuse, NY...UPSTATE PRIDE!). MB and I went here countless times in college, and these guys know their shit. My aunt and uncle make the three hour drive from Buffalo to here at least annually. Needless to say, I've adapted one of their recipes to fit my own taste, and I must say, the result is worth a try. This recipe uses different chilies and is more adapted to a paleo diet. I won't give the original recipe because of my respect for intellectual property, but below is an image of the book - and yes, this recipe is a definite indicator of the quality of awesomeness of recipes in this gem.

buy it...for serious
     Well without further adieu...recipe after the break...

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Chicken Pho - or Pho Ga...AKA Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup

     Why hello there. I do apologize for not writing in such a long time, as I'm sure you've missed me. I'm currently sitting out on my balcony sipping coffee while soaking up some much needed rays. It's hard to not be outside when the weather is good, which usually keeps me from my computer. I've also recently come across employment this past month (!!!), and as you could imagine, the last thing I want to do after being on a computer all day is come home and sit on my laptop. However, I'll try to be better at posting, especially since there is so much going on these days.

    Before I begin talking about my mouthwatering soup recipe, I'd like to first send out my thoughts to those affected by the recent tragedy in Boston. As many of you know, MB was born and raised there, we also have many college friends residing in the Bean Town and this past week has been full of nerve racking texts, calls, and facebook updates. I am happy to report that everyone we know is safe and accounted for, but for those families who are less fortunate, my heart goes out to you. Stay Boston Strong.

     It has been a while since I've written, but it's been even longer since I've posted any recipes. The recipe I am about to post is great for several reasons. Number one, it falls under my favorite category of eats, South East Asian food. However, if you are nervous about this type of food, fear not, there aren't any crazy ingredients and it is super simple to make. Every culture has it's comfort food, and pho (usually has the little question mark above the '"o" but it's too early to figure out how to add that) is definitely a Vietnamese staple. Traditionally pho is made with an oxtail broth, but this version is made with chicken, making it more like a cold-busting chicken noodle soup we all know and love. I also love this recipe because it is simple, and therefore friendly to those picky eaters out there.

     An interesting pho fact: it's actually a breakfast food! Many pho joints are popping up all over the US and are typically open as lunch/dinner joints. I'll never forget waking up in Vietnam and heading out as the heat begins to rise. We would plop down at the busiest street side stall we could find and order a tasty bowl of pho. While slurping up all the goodness we'd watch people go about their daily commute, stopping on the motorbikes by the side of the road for a bowl. All of this amazing food is available for less than 25 cents a person (and we probably overpaid). Makes it tough to step foot into a restaurant serving the stuff in the US, which is why I made my own.

     One last thing before I begin, I've adapted this recipe from the Cook's Illustrated Cookbook book I keep on raving about pictured below. This recipe will easily feed four people. If you are cooking for one you can cut the recipe in half, or make the full recipe and freeze the soup for a rainy day! Recipe after the break!